Laser Color MFPs: Choosing A Good A3 And A4 MFP For Home, The Best 3-in-1 Printers With Cheap Consumables For Home Use

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

The MFP has combined the most necessary office equipment that is used at home and in office conditions. Such a unit can include from two, three or more devices. Of course, preference is given to models combining printer, scanner, copier and fax. The advantages of a multifunctional device are obvious, but you should choose the most suitable one for specific tasks. Today, a huge number of laser color MFPs are presented, among which there are very successful and economical options.

Main characteristics

A laser MFP that can print color images includes the functions of a scanner, copier and printer . A little less often, a fax can also be added to them. A printer in this technique is almost analogous to a separate device. If there are differences, it is only in the design. This is necessary in order to more conveniently place the printer in the interior of the case.

Usually, powder is used for refilling cartridges , also called toner, or liquid ink.

The color models have four or more cartridges: one black and three multi-colored. By mixing colors (the last three), different shades are created.

Most often the printer module is located in the farthest part of the case .… When you open the front cover of the MFP, you will see the rollers, ink tank, drum unit. The principle of operation of this module is completely the same as in a conventional printer.

The working diagram of the scanner module is also fully consistent with a separate scanning device . First, the source image is highlighted on the document. Further, using mirrors, the signal is transmitted to the CCD matrix. This is where the process of converting a picture into a set of bytes that the computer understands takes place.

In most models the scanner is in the top position … For convenience, the module is covered by a hinged cover. The most common scanners are standard size, designed for A4 sheet.

The copy function is performed by the printer and scanner . The scanner receives an image, which, after converting to a raster, is transmitted to the printer. Then the resulting picture is printed. The computer does not participate in this process at all.

All copying occurs at the touch of a button and takes a matter of seconds. The speed of the procedure depends almost entirely on the print speed of the printer.

It is worth noting that color MFPs allow you to print not only documents, but also photos, various paintings and other images. In some devices, besides the usual ones, there are also built-in photo printers.

The latter allow you to print images that are outwardly similar to those made in a professional photo studio.

Thanks to the built-in fax machine, you can both send and receive messages . This module works by connecting to telephone lines. The fax actually converts the electrical signal into an image and then transfers it to paper.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the main advantages of a multifunctional device, it should be emphasized paramount practicality, small size and at the same time reasonable price … By purchasing all the devices, the functions of which are inherent in the MFP, separately you have to overpay 2-3 times.

At the same time, the combination of a printer and a scanner allows you to copy documents and images very quickly and without using a computer.

Laser products offer faster print speeds . This is due to the ability of the laser beam to travel at a faster speed than a print head with multiple nozzles. In addition, the beams are also more accurate, which increases the resolution.

Another advantage of laser technology is profitability . Typically, toner cartridges print thousands of pages. As a result, there is no need for frequent replacement or refueling.

Remember that laser printing is more durable than inkjet printing. This is true even in humid conditions.

In the event of toner build-up, just shake the cartridge lightly .… In this case, you do not have to wash or replace anything.

However, with the many advantages of a laser MFP, one should not forget about its disadvantages … So, when working a number of not very useful substances are released from the device including acetone, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and paper dust. At the same time, do not forget about ultraviolet and infrared radiation . It should be understood that in the process of heating the paper there is a constant evaporation of water vapor and formaldehyde.

MFP design consumes a lot of energy , since it includes a thermocouple and a high-voltage power supply.

The device must not be connected to uninterruptible power supplies of low or medium power.

The finished color images, for example, photographs, are of lower quality than when printed on an inkjet printer . At the same time, laser technology needs more quality paper … For example, using soft paper or paper clips can cause serious damage. A full-color print does not repeat itself consistently like the original. This is because there is no way to control electrostatic fields.

Most color MFPs leave hidden marks on the print . They usually indicate the date and time when the seal was made. The serial number of the unit is sometimes added to these parameters. This is usually done to stop counterfeiting a variety of securities, including banknotes.

Another disadvantage is more high cost laser device compared to inkjet. At the same time, a set of cartridges for a color MFP will cost as much as a new inkjet printer.

Species overview

Depending on the various parameters, the MFP can be of different types. For example, the following types are distinguished according to the print format:

• A0 with sheet dimensions 841 by 1189 mm;
• A1 - 594 by 841 mm;
• A2 - 420 by 594 mm;
• A3 - 297 by 420 mm;
• A4 - 210 by 297 mm;
• A5 - 148 x 210 mm;
• A6 - 105 by 148 mm;
• A7 - 74 x 105 mm.

In fact, each next sheet size is the previous one divided into two equal halves . The smallest is the A10 format, corresponding to the dimensions of 26 by 37 mm. However, the most popular are A4 and A3. Sometimes there are printers that are used for paper sizes with the letters B and C. They are designed to receive printed publications and envelopes.

By printing, one- and two-sided devices are distinguished

It should be noted that duplex printing is very convenient, as it simplifies the process and reduces its time. This is especially important for devices in the office, where speed of printing is appreciated.

However, it should be borne in mind that the cost of an MFP with a duplex function is significantly higher.

By where the device is located, two types are distinguished

• Floor standing are distinguished by high performance. Mainly designed for paper carriers A3 and more.
• Tabletop in most cases they are used at home. As a rule, such a device is compact, it is easy to place it right next to the computer.

For convenient use and economy, it is best to use an MFP with a shut-off device or CISS

• The shut-off valves, or refillable cartridges, can be external or internal . It is worth noting that they are easy to fill with a syringe right in the device itself. Correct operation allows up to 1000 refills of the cartridge with self-zeroing chips. For almost all MFP models, there are branded shut-off valves.
• CISS, or a system that provides continuous ink supply, is usually located not inside the device, but outside . The ink is supplied to the print head by means of a plume, which is based on silicone tubes. In this case, refueling can be done independently, but only as the ink is consumed. Factory-made cartridge systems proved to be the best. This option should be selected for large print volumes.

Devices with refillable replaceable units or CISS can save 17-20 times on printing each sheet. This is due to cheaper ink than original cartridges, with the same compatibility.

By the type of printing, the devices considered in the article are divided into multi-colored and black-and-white

1. The first type assumes the presence of replaceable blocks of several colors. As a rule, the main palette is considered to be a palette of cyan, magenta, yellow and black. However, there are models in which additional shades are also used, for example: blue, red, orange, green or shades of black. Thus, the color gamut expands and the device becomes more expensive. Most often printers with 10 or more colors are needed for professional use.
2. The black and white version uses one ink color, black. Typically, these models are used for printing documents.

All MFP printers are also classified by printing technology

Laser are characterized by increased printing speed . At the same time, such a printer is economical, since the cost of one finished sheet is quite low, due to the cheapness of consumables. One refill of the toner cartridge allows you to make many prints. Another clear advantage is that printouts resistant to moisture and sun rays .

Equally well suited for office and home use.

However, this type also has certain disadvantages, for example air pollution with fine toner particles and ozone, which the product emits when printing . This requires ventilation for large print volumes. The cartridge is refilled exclusively at service centers . You should also consider what the device and the new cartridge to it are. are quite expensive.

LED devices are small when compared to laser devices . The absence of moving parts in the LED unit extends the life of the printer. The creation of "white noise" by the laser signal guarantees information security .

Used both at home and in offices for printing ordinary and confidential documents.

Of the shortcomings, more should be noted slow print speed , as well as lack of adjustment of individual diodes with different brightness … If the diode fails, the entire LED strip must be replaced.

Inkjet printers are best suited for printing color photos, posters, flyers, brochures . If you use CISS with such a device, you can significantly reduce the cost of full-color printing. However, the printout on such a device is at low speed . Ink cartridges are quite expensive, and if the printer is idle for a long time, the ink may dry out. In this case, you have to clean the print head or repair the printer itself.

Sublimation printers allow using fabrics, ceramics, glass, metal as a material due to the obtained durable images . Most often they come with refillable cartridges in blue, red and yellow. As a result of using such a device, high-quality and uniform photographs are obtained, without visible rasters. The advantages should also include small size of such a device .

However, you should be prepared that the print speed will be quite low, and the cost of MFPs and consumables will be high.

Popular models

The best all-in-one device doesn't have to be expensive. There are practical devices with cheap consumables that can last for a long time . Of course, only comparison can show certain advantages of the model.

Among the popular options for the MFP is known Canon i-SENSYS MF641Cw , which combines good features with an affordable cost. The device includes a scanner with a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi and an improved mode. Produces the same quality black and color prints at 18 sheets in 60 seconds.

This model is perfect for home and office work.

Among the advantages of the device should be noted the ability to print to a printer wirelessly, the function of sending copies of documents immediately after scanning, and the ability to connect a camera . The device is easy to operate via the display. Moreover, its cost starts at $ 255.

Another popular inexpensive MFP is HP Color LaserJet Pro M281fdw . Among its advantages, users note high-quality printing, wireless connectivity, and convenient paper feeding. Easy control is carried out using a touch-sensitive liquid crystal display. The device is capable of printing 21 pages per minute.

It is worth noting the automatic feeding of originals for scanning, which can significantly save time.

Starting at $ 360, users get a high-quality 3-in-1 device with built-in duplex printing. To overshadow the work with this unit can only small cartridge capacity and periodic driver crashes.

For home, as well as small offices, an excellent option would be Kyocera Ecosys M5521 . The main difference of the device is the ability to output 65,000 pages per month. At the same time, good print quality is maintained with a resolution of 1200 × 1200 dots. The machine can print and copy over 20 pages per minute. The scanner with a built-in capacity for originals has a resolution of 600 × 600 dpi.

The MFP also has a built-in fax function and an SD card printing function

It is worth noting that the device lacks Wi-Fi connectivity.

The cost of this model starts at $ 270.

How to choose?

When choosing a multifunctional device, you should clearly understand what it will be used for . For example, you do not need to buy a color laser machine to print documents and text materials. The black and white version will be quite enough.

For home, when there may be long breaks from work, a laser device is best suited.

It will be fine even if not used for 6 months or more.

Of course, laser color MFP models are suitable for photo printing, but the best quality can only be achieved with the use of inkjet devices . If for home use or in the office you need to choose a device that must cope with large volumes of printing, then it is better to give preference to models with refillable cartridges or CISS.

For offices where you need to print large volumes in a short time, a color laser MFP is the best option . It is important to consider the print format and the speed at which documents will be processed. For example, for some types of work, it is better to prefer a wide-format scanner or a copier that has a zoom function.

When multitasking, you may need an MFP with fax, telephone, or booklet maker.

If the scanner is important, then it should be borne in mind that it can be based on the principle of operation tablet or lingering … The most popular are flatbed models that scan documents using a movable carriage. This makes it easy to work even with a portrait format. But the broaching scanner copes only with individual sheets.

When you need to print advertising products or photos, it is important to choose multicolor models … It is desirable that the printer is of high quality and works not only with ordinary paper, but also with special for photographs, plastic, film and other materials.

If simple tasks predominate, we choose from simple and inexpensive models. At the same time, it is important pay attention to the cost of consumables.